Company expands expertise in TBI pathology, biomarkers and clinical development as PNT001 advances through the clinic
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pinteon Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on protecting neuronal health by targeting neurotoxic forms of tau, today announced formation of a global Scientific Advisory Board to guide clinical development of the company’s program in traumatic brain injury (TBI). With strong research backgrounds in neurocognitive health and deep experience in clinical development, the TBI advisors will support Pinteon’s work advancing its lead program, PNT001, including an upcoming Phase 1b trial in patients with mild or moderate TBI.
PNT001 is an antibody that targets a unique epitope, cis-p-tau, a neurotoxic conformation of the protein tau. After a traumatic brain injury, cis-p-tau is released from neurons, causing acute toxicity. In the following months, cis-p-tau may spread throughout the brain and promote abnormal aggregation of tau proteins, blocking communication between neurons and impeding learning and memory. PNT001 is designed to preserve and protect brain health after injury by inhibiting cis-p-tau. PNT001 is currently being investigated in a Phase 1a study in healthy volunteers. Later this year, Pinteon anticipates initiating a multiple ascending dose trial in patients with mild or moderate TBI.
“Even TBIs designated ‘mild to moderate’ can cause significant cognitive damage and disability in the short term – and those problems may persist for months or even years. TBI may also increase risk for chronic, neurodegenerative diseases later in life. We are hopeful that PNT001 can spare patients from the worst effects of this type of brain injury,” said Martin Jefson, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Pinteon Therapeutics. “As we move rapidly toward a trial in the patient population, we are thrilled to welcome our new TBI advisors to Pinteon. Their insights into traumatic brain injury, their experience with clinical development and their commitment to transforming care for these patients will be important assets as we advance our lead program.”
Serving on Pinteon’s TBI Scientific Advisory Board:
- Kaj Blennow, M.D., Ph.D., is a professor and academic chair in neurochemistry at University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and head of the clinical neurochemistry lab at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg. He is also president of the Society for CSF Analysis and Clinical Neurochemistry.
- Amy Chappell, M.D., is a neurology and clinical trials consultant with over 30 years of experience in research and development, most recently serving as vice president of neuroscience at PPD, a leading contract research organization.
- Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, M.D., Ph.D., is a professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and also serves as director of clinical TBI research and associate director of the Penn Center for Brain Injury and Repair. Dr. Diaz-Arrastia’s research focuses on understanding the molecular, cellular and tissue-level mechanisms of trauma-induced neuro-regeneration and injury-related synaptic plasticity.
- Lee Goldstein, M.D., Ph.D., is an associate professor of psychiatry at the Boston University School of Medicine. His most recent research has been focused on CTE brain pathology.
- Todd Kilbaugh, M.D., is an assistant professor of anesthesia, critical care and pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, as well as an anesthesiologist and medical director of the ECMO Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. His areas of expertise include pediatric surgical and neurosurgical critical care, TBI and neuroprotection.
- Cristina Sampaio, M.D., Ph.D., is chief medical officer at the CHDI Foundation, which focuses on developing therapies to slow the progression of Huntington’s disease. Dr. Sampaio’s main research interests are the methodology and design of clinical studies in neurodegenerative disorders and pharmacoepidemiology.
- Henrik Zetterberg, M.D., Ph.D., is a professor of neurochemistry at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and leads the UK DRI fluid biomarker laboratory at University College London. He is a leading researcher on fluid biomarkers for central nervous system diseases.
About Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which range from mild concussion to severe head trauma, are caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head – often due to a fall. Patients may experience a wide variety of symptoms, including difficulty with language, cognition and memory; impaired vision or hearing; and mental illness such as depression or changes in personality. These symptoms can last days, years or decades, causing significant disruptions to work, school and social functioning. TBIs are also believed to increase the risk for developing neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. There were nearly 3 million TBI-related ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. in 2014.
About Pinteon Therapeutics
Pinteon Therapeutics is advancing clinical studies of a novel antibody that aims to interrupt the spread of toxic tau and protect and preserve brain function in patients with neurodegenerative disease. Pinteon’s lead asset, PNT001, is the only antibody in development that targets cis-pT231 tau, a neurotoxic epitope that has been identified in multiple preclinical studies as a potent driver of neurodegenerative disease. Pinteon is led by an experienced management team with strong track records in CNS drug discovery and development and is funded by Morningside Ventures. For more information, visit pinteon.com.
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Stephanie Simon
Ten Bridge Communications
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